Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
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Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 2 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
The methods by which these frauds—now under full investigation with
a view to meting out punishment and providing adequate remedies—are
perpetuated, include many variations of procedure by which false
certificates of citizenship are forged in their entirety; or genuine
certificates fraudulently or collusively obtained in blank are filled
in by the criminal conspirators; or certificates are obtained on
fraudulent statements as to the time of arrival and residence in this
country; or imposition and substitution of another party for the real
petitioner occur in court; or certificates are made the subject of
barter and sale and transferred from the rightful holder to those
not entitled to them; or certificates are forged by erasure of the
original names and the insertion of the names of other persons not
entitled to the same.
It is not necessary for me to refer here at large to the causes
leading to this state of affairs. The desire for naturalization
is heartily to be commended where it springs from a sincere and
permanent intention to become citizens, and a real appreciation of
the privilege. But it is a source of untold evil and trouble where it
is traceable to selfish and dishonest motives, such as the effort by
artificial and improper means, in wholesale fashion to create voters
who are ready-made tools of corrupt politicians, or the desire to
evade certain labor laws creating discriminations against alien labor.
All good citizens, whether naturalized or native born, are equally
interested in protecting our citizenship against fraud in any form,
and, on the other hand, in affording every facility for naturalization
to those who in good faith desire to share alike our privileges and
our responsibilities.
The Federal grand jury lately in session in New York City dealt with
this subject and made a presentment which states the situation briefly
and forcibly and contains important suggestions for the consideration
of the Congress. This presentment is included as an appendix to the
report of the Attorney-General.
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